Thursday, March 6--------When visitors from other states or countries think of Miami, they reflect on its gorgeous weather, pristine beaches, outstanding architecture and Latin-influenced culture. The banging of the drum, the beating of the marimba, the strumming of the guitar, the blaring of a trumpet, the music of Miami is as intoxicating as its other natural beauties.

To acknowledge this essential aspect of Miami culture, the Miami International Film Festival has inaugurated a new program this year. The Reel Music Scene is a special sidebar of documentaries, music videos and information panels that celebrate the love affair between music and the moving image. The program kicked off on Tuesday night with the North American Premiere of AFRICA UNITE, an inspiring music documentary that celebrates the music and life of reggae icon Bob Marley. The film chronicles the Marley family’s trip to Ethiopia in 2005 to participate in a pan-African conference and musical concert, celebrating the 60th birthday of Bob Marley. The film’s inspiring message was enhanced by the presence at the Gusman of Danny Glover, director Stephanie Black, executive producer Joslyn Barnes and members of the Marley Family, including Mama Booker, the family matriarch.

This evening, Miami plays host to the U.S. Premiere screening of 90 MILES THE DOCUMENTARY, the directorial debut of record producer (and Miami legend) Emilio Estefan. In this rousing music documentary, several legendary Latin musicians express the bitter and sweet aspects of life as exiles from Cuba through their music. The film features performances by such dynamic Latin musicians as Arturo Sandoval, Chocolate Armenteros and Gloria Estefan.

Later this week, the Festival presents several other music films to round the new program strand. IZALINE CALISTER---LADY SINGS THE TAMBU is a spirited portrait of the renowned performer of Curacao’s tambu music. In performances set on the streets of Curacao and the jazz clubs of Amsterdam, this remarkable artist reveals a sound that is distinctive and haunting. The hour-long documentary is directed by Dutch director Miluska Rosalina.

Public Enemy is one of rap’s most acclaimed innovators. In PUBLIC ENEMY: WELCOME TO THE TERRORDOME, the rappers’ enduring legacy and influence on the music’s evolution is explored as the group tours the United Kingdom. The film examines the complicated dynamics that lay at the group’s core and their commitment to use rap music as a medium for social commentary. The film, directed by Robert Patton-Spruill, features dynamic concert footage, intercut with interviews by admirers, including Henry Rollins and Ice Cube.

Rounding out the program are three innovative music videos from around the world that creatively mix musical style with stylish content. MOI CAPRICE: FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE is a sexually daring dance video from the Danish duo of Amanda Betz and Tea Lundberg. OJOS DE BRUJO: CORRE LOLA CORRE is a stylish video from Barcelona-based graphic designer and photographer Joan Guasch. CHEMICAL BROTHERS: LET’S DO IT AGAIN, shot entirely in Morocco, is the infectious brainchild of director Michael Haussman, who has produced award-winning videos for such artists as Madonna, Shakira, Kanye West and Jennifer Lopez. If music is the message, then Miami is the messenger.

Sandy Mandelberger, Miami FF Dailies Editor